20 most disappointing Cleveland Browns quarterbacks of all-time
By Randy Gurzi
Most disappointing Cleveland Browns quarterbacks: 11. Cody Kessler (2016-2017)
If we are being honest, Cody Kessler was thrown into a rough spot. The former USC quarterback was considered a late-round pick — or even a possible undrafted free agent. Then, Hue Jackson came along and said to trust him as he took Kessler in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft — a full round before the Dallas Cowboys took Dak Prescott who recently landed a huge contract whereas Kessler was last seen in the NFL in 2019.
After making the move, Jackson was questioned and defended the decision, saying Kessler was the future for the Browns.
"“The guy has had a tremendous career,” said Jackson, defending what seemed like a questionable pick — via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “I understand where everyone’s coming from. But Cody Kessler is the guy for us.”"
Kessler did start eight games as a rookie and in Jackson’s defense, he wasn’t terrible. He completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 1,380 yards with six touchdowns and only two picks. The problem was, he led them to an 0-8 record and never really threatened opposing teams.
He was then benched for DeShone Kizer, the second-round pick in 2017, and threw just 23 passes that season. Ahead of the 2018 season, Kessler was traded by John Dorsey who purged the entire quarterback room. In the end, Kessler brought the Browns a conditional seventh-round pick.